Last updated 11th December 2024

Vision Refresh

With 2026 not too far away, now is an ideal time to be considering what will come next to follow ‘Vision 2026’, our current diocesan vision (see here for details of Vision 2026).

Over the last decade, Vision 2026 has had a transformative impact on our diocese as parishes across all contexts and church traditions have creatively engaged in what it means to grow a ‘healthy church that transforms its community’ in their context.

So where are we now and what should come next? Critically, where is God leading us?

In late 2024, all parishes and church schools have been invited to help to respond to those questions. Other groups will be consulted in early 2025 to ensure that a wide range of voices are heard in the consultation, for example the new Youth Forum will be contributing their voice to the discernment of the new vision at their January meet up.

Learn more about the discernment process and how to get involved here

Special Vision Deanery Synods are being held in early 2025 to enable additional prayer and discussion around the discernment of our new vision. These are happening as follows: 

Thursday 9 January – PRESTON DEANERY hosted by Bishop Philip North and Archdeacon David Picken

Monday 13 January – TUNSTALL DEANERY hosted by Bishop Jill Duff and Archdeacon David Picken

Thursday 23 January – ACCRINGTON DEANERY hosted by Bishop Joe Kennedy and Archdeacon Mark Ireland

Monday 3 February – BURNLEY and PENDLE DEANERIES hosted by Bishop Philip North and Archdeacon Mark Ireland

Tuesday 25 February – BLACKPOOL and POULTON DEANERIES hosted by Bishop Philip North and Archdeacon David Picken

Monday 3 March – CHORLEY DEANERY hosted by Bishop Jill Duff and Archdeacon Mark Ireland

Monday 10 March – BLACKBURN WITH DARWEN DEANERY hosted by Bishop Joe Kennedy and Archdeacon Mark Ireland

Tuesday 11 March – LANCASTER and MORECAMBE DEANERY hosted by Bishop Jill Duff and Archdeacon David Picken

Thursday 13 March – LEYLAND DEANERY hosted by Bishop Philip North and Archdeacon Mark Ireland

Monday 24 March – KIRKHAM DEANERY hosted by Bishop Joe Kennedy and Archdeacon David Picken

Wednesday 26 March – WHALLEY DEANERY hosted by Bishop Jill Duff and Archdeacon Mark Ireland

Monday 7 April – GARSTANG DEANERY hosted by Bishop Joe Kennedy and Archdeacon David Picken

Feedback from these sessions will be added to feedback from the initial consultation with further input being drawn from the forthcoming ‘Incumbents and Headteachers’ Conference. 

2025 will be a key year as we collectively discern where God is leading us and that is why it is ideal that 2025 is also our Diocesan Year of Prayer for Growth and Renewal. Further details of that can be found here.